BENEFIT payments are returning to normal in Preston following special measures to beat benefit backlogs.

Council chiefs say payment times have been slashed by more than 50 per cent since October, with all new claims processed within 21 days, provided all the necessary information is supplied.

The council is now working to cut waiting times to just 14 days and opening hours for the benefits enquiry counter and telephone service are also being gradually increased.

Councils have been encouraged to process claims using the Verification Framework system which improves the prevention of fraud.

It requires all new and existing benefit claimants to give proof of identity and entitlement to benefit. And council bosses say benefit entitlement changes have also occurred as a result of the introduction of the Working Families Tax Credit.

Annually Preston Borough Council deals with 14,000 benefit claims totalling £32m.

Councillor Harold Parker, cabinet member for Resources, said: "We would like to thank people for bearing with us.

"We now have better fraud detection systems in place and our processing times are returning back to normal. The benefits staff have worked extra hard to get benefit payments back on track and the council is grateful for their efforts."

The benefit changes have also had a knock-on effect on rent arrears and on levels of Council Tax arrears.

Special training, advice, re-focusing of staff resources and the pursuit of outstanding debts will all now be stepped up to reduce the level of arrears.

Coun Ken Cole, cabinet member for Housing and Direct Services, said: "This is a growing problem nationally and all landlords are experiencing an increase in arrears.

"In Preston, we are taking steps to tackle this situation. Tenants can also help by making sure their rent is fully paid up and received on time.

"A higher level of arrears means it's more difficult to pay for improvements or repairs -- so those who refuse to pay are causing hardship for others."